Adelanto residents plead not guilty to murder charges following child's death

Three Adelanto residents suspected in the recent death of a 4-year-old girl have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Rayshawn Stanch, 26, his cousin Bianca Stanch, 19, and Ronald Greer, 21, were arraigned Wednesday afternoon after they were charged with murder, assault on a child causing death and torture in connection with Samiah Downing's death.

The three are scheduled for a hearing Jan. 10 at the Victorville courthouse.

Authorities originally arrested Greer, the child's father, and his girlfriend, Bianca Stanch on Dec. 27. Rayshawn Stanch was arrested late the next day.

Samiah's body was eventually found in a shallow grave in a remote area south of Baker, San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said.

Sheriff's deputies in Adelanto were contacted Thursday by someone who hadn't seen the child recently and became concerned, according to authorities.

Investigators contacted Greer and Bianca Stanch the same day and began a missing person investigation.

Authorities soon suspected foul play and contacted sheriff's homicide detectives to assist in the search for the girl, according to reports.

After interviewing Greer and Bianca Stanch, who is not the child's mother, detectives were led to the child's desert grave, according to sheriff's officials.

Officials believe the child was tortured and killed about a week and a half earlier.

The criminal complaint alleges the defendants inflicted great bodily injury upon Samiah "with the intent to cause cruel and extreme pain and suffering for the purpose of revenge, extortion, persuasion and for a sadistic purpose."

"Our children are our most vulnerable victims and I intend to seek justice for this 4-year-old," District Attorney Michael A. Ramos wrote on his Twitter feed Wednesday, shortly after he announced that the charges had been filed.

A website has been created for those who want to donate to the girl's memorial fund. Go to tinyurl.com/SamiahDowning for more information.